One of the things that has amazed me about being a parent is the similar experience many people have with their children. While there are no membership cards or fees being a parent puts you into a club. One of the things that I am sure most of us have experienced in some capacity is the difficulty of keeping kids occupied in church. It is often hard enough to get everyone ready and out the door in time without even beginning to think about how to engage children during worship. We have tried to help with the older elementary age students with the Connect@Worship sheets but what about the preschool to middle elementary age. Below we have put together some ideas on how to engage this age of children.

During certain parts of the service have your child do something when they hear the different persons of the Trinity named. For example, they could squeeze your hand or pat your leg. Part of the fun for your children may be coming up with something different to do each week.

Read the texts from the sermon earlier in the week. Decide on one thing with your child that you both will remember when that portion of the scripture text is read or is mentioned in the sermon. Come up with a creative way to let each other know that you heard it and remembered.

Even if your child cannot read have them participate in congregational readings. Have them stand near you and as they learn to read encourage them to look for words in the reading that they can recognize.

Before the service have them help you find the two scripture readings in the Bible. Have them help you put a bookmark of some kind in the Bible.

When it is time for the scripture reading have them hold the Bible. Follow along in the text with your finger to help them know where we are at in the reading.

During the week set aside some of their allowance or money and have them bring it to worship. Remind them that our offering is after the reading of the Word and the sermon because we are responding to God's gracious love shown to us in Christ.

On Saturday night remind the kids that tomorrow morning is church and that you are going to hear the gospel so that we are reminded what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.

At your Saturday evening meal or at bedtime say a prayer for the worship service and the pastor. Also pray for safe travel to church for your family and our entire church family.

On the way to church ask them some questions from the Children's Catechism.

Work on elements of the church service at home. Teach the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed and Doxology to them. When those elements of the service come up nudge them and let them know that their part is coming up and that their involvement with the rest of the church family is so important.

These are just a few ideas that could be used to involve younger children in the worship service on Sunday morning. Remember faith is caught just as much as it is taught. Involving children in worship at a young age helps them to be a part of who we are as a church body and helps to shape and form them as Christians. If you have something that has worked for your family share it with us. We are on this journey together and we can learn so much from each other. Blessings to you as you work each day to raise your children in the faith.